Banzel Warnings and Precautions

Before starting a new medication, it is important to be aware of warnings and precautions. With Banzel, these involve being aware that the medication may increase the risk of suicide, can cause dangerous side effects, and may affect the heart rhythm. In addition, Banzel may not be safe for people who have liver disease or familial short QT syndrome.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Banzel?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Banzel™ (rufinamide) if you have:

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Specific Banzel Warnings and Precautions

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Banzel include the following:

Studies suggest that seizure medications may increase the risk of suicide. Make sure to watch for any usual changes in behavior or mood, and make sure your family and friends know to keep an eye out for such problems.

Banzel can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination problems. You may want to see how the medication affects you before driving or operating heavy machinery.

Banzel can cause a slight change in the heart rhythm known as QT shortening. This does not appear to be a problem for most people.

Seizure medications, including Banzel, can cause severe allergic reactions that can affect multiple organs in the body. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you develop an unexplained rash, especially if it is accompanied by a fever.

As with all seizure medications, you should not suddenly stop taking Banzel, as this can cause seizures to become worse.

Banzel has not been adequately studied in people with liver problems. Your healthcare provider may want to monitor you more closely and might recommend a lower Banzel dosage.

Banzel is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Banzel and Pregnancy).

It is not known if Banzel passes through breast milk in humans. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Banzel and Breastfeeding).

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